Hadith #3386

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

إذا عَقَدْتُمْ على عَزائِمِ خَيْر فَامْضُوها۔

This can be translated as,

When you make the intention of doing good, then execute it.

This enlightening saying emphasizes the importance of not only having good intentions but also taking action to fulfill them.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to gain a better understanding. The word (aqad-tum) "عَقَدْتُمْ" is derived from the root word (aqada) "عَقَدَ", which means to bind or tie. In this context, it refers to making a firm commitment or resolution. The word (aza'im) "عَزَائِمِ" is the plural form of (azimah) "عَزِيمَة", which means determination or resolve. It signifies a strong and unwavering intention to do good.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:80),

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the importance of having a firm resolve in our actions, both in entering and leaving any endeavor. It reminds us to seek strength and support from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all our endeavors.

Another verse that complements the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Hajj (22:37), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah: it is your piety that reaches Him.

This verse emphasizes that it is not the mere intention or words that matter, but rather the actions that reflect our piety and righteousness. It is through our deeds that we truly demonstrate our commitment to doing good.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his wisdom and knowledge, reminds us that good intentions alone are not enough. We must follow through with action to bring about positive change in ourselves and society. Merely making resolutions without taking action is like planting seeds without watering them; they will not bear fruit.

When we make a firm commitment to do good, it motivates us to take the necessary steps to fulfill that commitment. For example, if we intend to give charity, we must not only have the intention but also take the practical steps to donate our wealth to those in need. If we intend to seek knowledge, we must actively engage in studying and learning. If we intend to improve our character, we must actively work on our behavior and strive to embody the qualities we seek.

The consequences of acting upon good intentions are manifold. Firstly, it allows us to fulfill our purpose as Muslims, which is to worship Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and serve His creation. Secondly, it brings about positive change in ourselves and society, as our actions have a ripple effect. By executing our good intentions, we inspire others to do the same, creating a virtuous cycle of goodness. Moreover, it strengthens our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) as we strive to align our actions with His commands and seek His pleasure.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of not only having good intentions but also taking action to fulfill them. It reminds us that our actions are a reflection of our commitment and determination to do good. By aligning our intentions with our actions, we can bring about positive change in ourselves and society, fulfilling our purpose as Muslims and seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to execute our good intentions and make a positive impact in the world.